Types of Artificial Family Planning

Unlike natural birth control methods, artificial family planning controls or avoids pregnancy by either creating a physical barrier to prevent fertilization or by manipulate the female menstrual cycle. The different methods of artificial birth control suit different people in different circumstances. An awareness of the pros and cons of each method can help you make an informed decision about which method is best for you.

Hormonal Contraception

• Hormonal contraception takes the form of pills, injections, patches and implants that regulate the female menstrual cycle. They manipulate the levels of the hormones estrogen and progestogen in a woman, inhibiting the rising estrogen levels that ultimately lead to ovulation. If correctly administered, hormonal contraceptives have a 99 percent success rate, according to the Baby Centre.

  They do not suit everyone. Breastfeeding women, women older than 35, those with heart or circulatory problems, breast cancer sufferers or the severally overweight should avoid hormonal contraceptives combining estrogen and progestogen. A alternative might be a progestogen-only pill, which should be avoided, however, by sufferers of ovarian cysts, fibroids or anyone who has had an ectopic pregnancy or abnormal cervical smear.

External Barrier Methods

• External barrier methods physically prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. The male condom is the most well known method. Less so is the female condom. This is fitted outside the labia, the folds of skin surrounding the opening of the vagina. External barrier methods are effective if correctly used, with the male condom 98 percent effective. Polyisoprene or polyurethane versions exist for those with latex allergies. They can, however, interfere with the spontaneity of lovemaking.

Internal Devices

• Internal contraceptive devices are fitted inside the female body. Diaphragms or caps are pliable domes of rubber or silicone inserted into the vagina each time a woman makes love. Used in conjunction with a spermicidal gel, they block and kill sperm before they reach the womb. Women prone to urinary infections should avoid them. They also interrupt lovemaking. Intrauterine device or coils are copper devices fitted inside the womb itself. They can remain in place for three to 10 years, making them convenient and long-lasting. They are unsuitable for those with copper allergies or other uterine abnormalities.

Sterilization

• A surgical method is designed to prevent future pregnancies by blocking or closing the fallopian tubes or the sperm duct from the testicles to the penis. In women, it is known as tubal ligation or tubal occlusion; in men, it's a vasectomy. Male sterilization is more effective than female, with only one in every 2,000 men impregnating woman after surgery compared with one woman in 400 falling pregnant in the 10 years after sterilization.